Rushcliffe Borough Council is exploring what action it can take to further reduce the threat of extinction of hedgehogs in the Borough.
The Council that noted the alarming decline in number of the animals nationally and ways the authority can now assess how to nurture habitats to ensure their numbers increase.
The authority is now looking at where landscape management practices on land it owns could change that are supportive to hedgehogs and their habitat.
Streetwise Environmental is working with the Council to explore options to help protect hedgehogs. Streetwise already briefs its grounds maintenance operatives to be vigilant for hedgehogs when strimming. Stickers are placed on the equipment to act as a visual reminder.
Hedgehog numbers are in dramatic decline with conservation groups estimating that the population in the UK has reduced by 33% since 2000.
Hedgehogs are generally solitary, nocturnal and can travel up to 2km per night searching for food. They live, on average, for about 2 years. It is estimated that their coat contains around 6,000 spines. They hibernate during the winter so it is important to check bonfires before lighting for hedgehogs that may be resting.